LEWIS HUDSON FROM NETHERLEY AND PRESCOT SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL CRUELTY TO PET CAT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Netherley and Prescot, Lewis Hudson, aged 23, faced justice at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, July 26, for his prolonged and heinous abuse of his partner's pet cat, Binx. The court proceedings revealed a chilling account of months of relentless cruelty inflicted upon the defenseless animal, culminating in her tragic death.

Hudson, who had entered into a relationship with Summer Leadbetter in early 2021, moved into a flat at Hollins Court, Prescot, in August of that year. The couple's relationship took a dark turn when Summer expressed her desire to have a pet cat. After some persuasion, they acquired a feline companion named Binx. Initially, the couple believed they could care for the animal, but over time, signs of injury and distress began to surface.

Summer noticed multiple injuries on Binx, which Hudson initially dismissed as accidents or infections. However, prosecutor Tom Challinor detailed how Hudson's behavior escalated into outright abuse. The court heard that Hudson would punch Binx, claiming the cat had scratched the furniture, and would confine her in the bathroom, leaving her in the shower with running water for extended periods. On one occasion, Summer opened the bathroom door to find the room filled with steam, with Binx crying and panting, her skin hot to the touch, indicating severe distress and injury.

The cruelty intensified in June of the previous year when Summer was watching humorous cat videos on her phone. Hudson approached her with a disturbing video he wanted to show. The footage depicted Hudson stamping on Binx while wearing steel toe cap boots. The cat was screaming in pain, and Hudson reportedly told Summer that he would continue to harm her if she did not comply with his demands. This act of violence was part of a pattern of sadistic treatment, which also included shooting Binx with pellets from a BB gun. Prosecutors revealed that Hudson soaked the pellets in cleaning fluids before firing them at the cat, adding a layer of cruelty to his actions. Additionally, he struck Binx with a mop soaked in bleach, seemingly in an attempt to kill her.

Despite Summer’s efforts to rehome Binx, Hudson refused, fearing that the injuries would be traced back to him. He also expressed a desire to have a dog instead. The abuse persisted for approximately eight months, with the situation reaching a horrifying climax in August of the previous year. On that day, Hudson, who was at their shared flat, sent threatening messages to Summer, who was out with her mother. He demanded she return with food, warning her that he was “going to f*** the cat,” and later, he texted her that Binx was “going to get it” and that he was “going to whack her with this shovel.”

He further threatened her, stating, “if you don’t get home now I am going to kill it,” and added a menacing comment about showing his true nature to her family. Summer hurried back to the flat and was devastated to find Binx lying motionless. The cat’s fur was matted with blood, and her injuries were severe; her fangs had been cleanly knocked out due to the force of the attack. The sight caused Summer to faint, and her mother immediately called the police.

Hudson was arrested at the scene. During police questioning, he claimed that he was “all talk” and that he had only kicked the cat away from him, causing her to hit the TV stand. An examination of Binx’s body at the University of Liverpool revealed extensive injuries, including abrasions, bruises, fractured ribs, and a punctured lung, which was confirmed as the cause of death. Prosecutor Challinor emphasized that Binx had “suffered extensively.”

Summer’s victim impact statement was read aloud in court, revealing the profound psychological toll the ordeal had taken on her. She described struggling to sleep, haunted by the images of Hudson hitting Binx. Her mental health deteriorated to the point where her mother contacted a crisis team, and Summer was prescribed antidepressants. She had to leave her job as a nursery worker and expressed fears of encountering Hudson again. She also stated that she doubted she would ever own another pet.

Judge Brian Cummings KC condemned Hudson’s actions as “a sickening catalogue of cruelty to a defenceless animal.” He highlighted the prolonged and sadistic nature of the abuse, considering the totality of the offending. In mitigation, the judge acknowledged Hudson’s guilty pleas to two counts of animal cruelty and one of harassment related to the threatening messages to Summer.

As a result, Hudson was sentenced to two years and three months in prison. The court also imposed a restraining order preventing him from contacting Summer for ten years and disqualified him from owning any animals for life. When the sentence was announced, Summer, supported by her family, embraced her mother, while others in the courtroom expressed relief and support for her. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the importance of addressing animal cruelty and protecting vulnerable victims from such heinous acts.